Can a lawyer lead Homeland Security? Obama thinks so

So is New York attorney Jeh Johnson a good pick to head the Department of Homeland Security?

President Barack Obama thinks so. He cited Johnson's experience as general counsel at the Department of Defense, where he earned a reputation as a "cool and calm leader" who understands the threats facing the U.S.

"He's been there in the situation room, at the table at moments of decision," Obama said during his Rose Garden introduction of Johnson as his selection for Homeland Security secretary.

Johnson left the Pentagon last December, and had settled back into practicing law in New York City.

"I was not looking for this opportunity," he said.

But when Obama offered him this position, "I could not refuse it," he said.

Johnson then noted that he was in Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists flew two airplanes into the World Trade Center.

"I wandered the streets of New York that day and … asked what could I do?" he said.

That's a powerful story from a public servant who has been by Obama's side since the beginning of his administration. Johnson also was a major fundraiser for Obama in 2008, bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars for the presidential campaign.

It's clear that Johnson is well-versed on security issues, from the use of unmanned drones to trying terrorism suspects in military courts.

But the Department of Homeland Security has a wide range of other responsibilities as well, including immigration enforcement.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, thinks Johnson falls short of what's needed for this job.

"After this administration’s mismanagement of DHS, in particular its failure to secure the border, Texans expect a nominee with serious management and law enforcement experience," Cornyn said.

"Rather than selecting someone who knows the unique dynamics of our Southern border, President Obama has tapped one of his former New York fundraisers. We need someone who knows how to secure the border, not dial for dollars.”